Aphid control agents from Biological Services

Biological Services specialises in mite and insect parasites and predators for pest control in horticultural units. These beneficial insects and mites from Biological Services act as biological agents. Biological Services is the first commercial insectary operated in Australia. The mites and insects are used in range of situations including perennial outdoor plantings and green houses.

Biological Services offers T. occidentalis, Aphidius, Aphytis, Encarsia, Hypoaspis and Cucumeris species. In addition to these, a range of other insect-related products such as pheromones, delta traps, hand lenses are sold by Biological Services.

Aphidius colemani is one of the biocontrol agent offered by Biological Services to control the pests. The parasitic wasp Aphidius colemani, attacks forty species of aphids. The two species frequently attacked by this parasitic wasp includes the melon or cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii and the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae. Low levels of aphids are maintained by releasing Aphidius colemani. This parasitic wasp can be released into the field crops for controlling the aphids.

This parasitic wasp must be released before aphids become a problem. It must be released at low rate on weekly basis. Aphidius colemani is compatible with aphid predators like ladybird beetles and lacewings.